AMHERST, MASS - The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® (CAIAA)-an independent, not-for-profit international organization that provides a charter program for professionals in alternative investments-will host an informational seminar and lunch event in San Francisco on April 17.  The event will run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Argent Hotel, 50 Third Street.

At the lunch, CAIAA's Director of Examinations, Nelson Lacey, will make a short presentation about the CAIA designation, its importance to the alternative investment world, the organization's growth and reach, and will take questions from attendees.  Following the presentation, there will be a short networking and socializing event.

"As alternative investing strategies become more widely available and popular with investors of all income levels, professionals throughout the industry need to raise the level of their education in order to most fully understand the risks and benefits of the various asset classes and investment strategies," said the Association's Executive Director, Craig Asche.  "Today, alternatives are so much more than hedge funds; they include private equity, real estate, venture capital, managed futures and more. We remain committed to educating industry professionals in the U.S. and abroad including as well as financial advisors, consultants, institutional educators and retail investors."

The San Francisco event is one of several planned for 2007.  The Association will host a similar event in Chicago on April 19 and several more throughout Europe and Asia later this year.

Attendees will include individuals planning to take the exams, executives seeking to learn more about the CAIA designation on behalf of their companies, financial advisors and planners and other members of the public interested in learning more about AI education.  To register, contact CAIAA at events@caia.org.

About The CAIA Association
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® is an independent, not-for-profit global organization committed to education and professionalism in the field of alternative investments. Founded in 2002, the Association is the sponsoring body for the CAIA designation.  Recognized globally, the designation certifies one's mastery of the concepts, tools and practices essential for understanding alternative investments and promotes adherence to high standards of professional conduct.